12 years

Exactly 12 years ago today I left the Philippines to be with my true love in Australia.

Corny, yes. But it’s the truth. There was no other reason for me to come here. I had made other plans before I met him. But all the plans went flying out the window when I realised I wanted to be with him.

So I left my family, my friends, the place I am so familiar with. I entered a new life and a new country, excited and unafraid.

When I first heard the news that I got the visa, I was ecstatic. I was riding the jeep with mama, on our way to the mall. I loved shopping with mama. We went out together as often as we could. While I enjoyed the success of the application, I also saw the sadness in mama’s eyes when she realised I was definitely going.

She wanted me to go, of course. But she’s my mother. A big part of her also didn’t want me to go.

She helped me prepare what to bring. She was there the whole way through. My parents were very supportive. They’ve always been supportive. Today, they cherish the time they get with us when we see them back in the Philippines.

I never regretted leaving the Philippines. Even during my darkest days here, when I felt so very alone, I never thought about going back.

But what I want, what my heart really wants is to have my family close by. It’s close to impossible, I know. Aside from the changes in the migration laws, my parents are also old and sick. Maybe one day we can have longer visitors’ visa when my parents’ health is better. But for now, the visits back will have to do.

It is said that home is where the heart is. Well, my heart has two homes. Australia and the Philippines. Every migrant understands that.

Although my roots will always come from the Philippines, my life and my new roots are here.

Love this post so much, K. It must’ve bren so hard to leave your family and as I know from our chats, it still is. But remember you have your family (that includes me and B) here to look after you and hug you when you get homesick xxxGrace recently posted..Why I’m still going to Bali

Happy 12 year anniversary. It would have been so hard to have left your life in The Philippines but it sounds as if it has been a good decision, even though your family is still far away. Hoping in time you can have those longer visits with your parents xKirsty @ Smarter Happier recently posted..Three Undeniable Truths of Blogging

Hey K, I can understand so well what you had written. There will always be two homes in our heart.

I received the call about my visa approval when I was in the office and was just trying to sort out corporate gifts for some clients in the store room! (Oh what a place to be in!) I was ecstatic but I could see a tinge of sadness in the eyes of the folks when I shared the news with them too. Oh those moments of truth… (shedding tears)